Preethiya Sekar Uses Her Many BDPA Scholarships at Carleton College

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Preethiya Sekar will use the Bemley Scholarship awarded all the members of the BDPA Southern Minnesota High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team with a $2,500 college scholarship at Carleton College. She also applied the Monsanto Scholarship ($2,500) and Oracle Scholarship towards her education at Carleton College as well!

Preethiya Sekar * Multiple BDPA Scholar!

Preethiya Sekar was a member of BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter since 2010. She graduated from high school in June 2015 and decided to attend Carleton College in the fall of 2015. Currently her major is undecided but she would like to go to medical school. She haven’t had much experience in the working world but she did hold a research mentee position in a molecular medicine lab. As for what she would like to do when she grows up ... she's leaning towards becoming a pediatric surgeon!

We asked her to share her thoughts on BDPA:

"For the past four years (2012-2015), I spent most of my Saturdays at BDPA talking with friends, checking my rank, and learning new things. Before BDPA I didn’t know anything about computers or programming, much less did I have any interest in learning. However, my instructors made what I was learning exciting. They taught me things and then encouraged me to go out and learn more. What was most thrilling for me was being able to create something. Seeing my code transform into a web page was just so incredible.

2014 So. Minnesota HSCC Team (Preethia, 2nd-from-right)

Being selected to go to the National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) after class was done was probably one of the most rewarding things. After all who wouldn’t like to go to big cities and meet new and important people? But, when I became a part of the competition team I remember all the work we put in. We refer to the summer before competition as “boot camp”. So while all my friends were out enjoying summer, I was sitting with my BDPA friends staring at a computer screen. But I guess, it was always worth it in the end. It’s a good feeling going through the competition and knowing all your hard work was paying off. But no amount of preparation takes away the nerves and angst during the programming portion. They give you seven hours but it feels like less than one. I think we all learned to thrive under the stressful conditions. We knew our part in the team and held ourselves accountable. No matter the outcome, it was always a great experience: either something to learn from or something to remember.

2015 BDPA IT Showcase * Preethiya Sekar

The people in BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter did more than just teach me computer programming, they taught me to believe in myself (sometimes that was the biggest obstacle), they taught me to carry myself with dignity and pride, and to be thankful for everything I have. Over the past four years, BDPA has had a major impact on the person I have become, they remind me to give back selflessly and help others around me."

We just completed the 32nd anniversary of the High School Computer Competition. We are grateful to Monsanto and Oracle for sponsoring their scholarships. BDPA has given out hundreds of Bemley Scholarships over the years. However, this is truly a scholarship fund that is supported by BDPA members and supporters. I encourage you to make a secure online donation today! BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Bemley Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Preethiya's career as she seeks to advance in the medical industry!

Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students * Deadline 7/1/2017

Oracle knows talented individuals drive success, and they are willing to encourage positive workforce development through organizations such as BDPA. As such, Oracle made decision to offer the 9^th Annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students again this year. The scholarship application period goes through July 1, 2017. The winning scholars will be announced at the 2017 Scholarship Breakfast July 28^th, 2017 at 8:30 AM.

These scholarships are available to high school students (grade 12), community college students and undergraduate college students. The student must be studying in STEM-related curriculum. The student must be a BDPA member in good standing on or before the July 1^st deadline. BDPA student membership is $25 annually.

Past Oracle scholars were helped by this funding as well as the BDPA programs and services made available to them at the local chapter level. Do you know a high school or college student (or their parents!) who could benefit from this information? If so, please share this message with them right away. Don't procrastinate ... the application is ready and available for immediate download

BDPA Cincinnati Chapter Competes at 2016 HSCC Championship

2016 HSCC Team

by Frank Hill

BDPA Cincinnati Chapter has trained High School students at Cincinnati State Technical College for the past 8 years.    The camp has 2 phases. Phase 1 is a 13-week program that trains area students on a variety of technical topics (Software, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Automation).

The second phases lasts 30 weeks and takes place on Saturdays. This phase prepares students for competition in a National High School Computer Competition.  Up to 10  students are trained during this phase.  The top five (5) students are selected to travel to a conference and compete for prizes and scholarships money.  Students are also eligible for scholarships based on academic and community service accomplishments.

BDPA Cincinnati chapter HSCC team traveled to Atlanta for the 38th annual BDPA Technology Conference on August 10-13, 2016. Teams participated in a 7.5 hour programming activity that required them to complete a secure, mobile responsive web site from requirements set by corporate judges. Students develop an User Interface, Middleware and Database during this period.   Students were then required to present their project to a team of judges and their code was inspected to ensure proper implementation. 

BDPA Cincinnati chapter HSCC team was Yaw Asante (Walnut Hills HS),  Jacob Koeninger (Campbell County HS),  Jalal Sylvester (Mason HS), Julian Pierre (Lakota West HS) and James Whitfield (Walnut Hill HS).  Our team placed in fifth place this year.  The team gained broad exposure to successful IT professionals and inspirational entrepreneurs.  Additionally, two BDPA Cincinnati students were recognized with $3000 scholarships from The Oracle Corporation. A total of $146,000 in scholarship money was distributed to high school and college students from all over the country.   The two winners were: Yaw Asante and Hasani Harrigan (Tuskegee University). 

Cincinnati State Technical College was also recognized at the conference as a Silver Level sponsor for ongoing support of BDPA training programs. BDPA training programs have help launch many successful young people over the years and it would not have been possible without great support from many people at Cincinnati State Technical College.

We are extremely proud and grateful for the support!!

2015 Oracle Scholarships for BDPA Students

National BDPA recognized six students for its annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students. The six winners are:

1. LaRae Adams (BDPA Greater Birmingham) - Tuskegee University
2. Yaw Asante (BDPA Cincinnati)- Walnut Hills High School
3. Rariety Monford (BDPA Cincinnati) - North Carolina A&T State University
4. Lauren Ravenell (BDPA Indianapolis) - Ball State University
5. Preethiya Sekar (BDPA Southern Minnesota) - Carleton College
6. Malik Swanson (BDPA Chicago) - Chicago State University

Each of these young people earned a $3,000 college scholarship for their pursuit of a career in Engineering, Computer and Information Science, Computer Engineering or Mathematics.

College Scholarships Offered by BDPA

The BDPA strategy is to bring college students into the professional chapters on the local level as opposed to creating ‘college chapters’. One strategy in place is the aggressive delivery of college scholarships to deserving BDPA high school students. There are a number of college scholarship programs in place:

1. BlueCross BlueShield Scholarship for BDPA Students - These scholarships are administered by BETF. Some BCBS Scholarships are reserved for BDPA Chicago and BDPA Dallas chapters. The rest are available nationally. This scholarship began in 2014.
   
   

2. Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship – These scholarships are administered by BETF. They are awarded to high-performing students in the annual BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships. Bemley scholars can be found in scores of colleges around the nation.
   
   

3. Eli Lilly Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BETF. They are awarded to students around the nation who show a desire to make a difference in the IT industry over the course of their college and professional careers. Eli Lilly & Company began funding these scholarships in 2008.
   
   

4. Human Capital Logistics Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BETF. This scholarship awards outstanding BDPA Greater Columbia student members, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. This scholarship began in 2014.
   
   
5. Johnson & Johnson Scholarships for BDPA Students - These scholarships are administered by BDPA. They are provided to winners of the annual BDPA IT Showcase as well as all-around excellent HSCC students.
   
   
6. Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BETF. Some Monsanto Scholarships are reserved for BDPA St. Louis chapter. The rest are available nationally. This scholarship began in 2013.
   
   

7. Oracle Scholarships for BDPA Students – These scholarships are administered by BDPA. They are awarded to deserving students selected by local chapters. Over $150,000 has been awarded to Oracle scholars over the past three years.
   
   

8. State Farm Scholarships – These scholarships are administered by BDPA. BDPA is pleased to have substantial State Farm funding to pilot its 1st Annual BDPA Mobility Application Showcase this year in Indianapolis. This scholarship began in 2014.

Member on the Move: Alan Rosales (University of Rochester, Class of 2014)

Alan Rosales

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation began following the exploits of Alan Rosales in 2009 when we shared his High School Computer Competition (HSCC) testimonial on this blog.  Alan Rosales is a HSCC alumnus from the New York Chapter.

BDPA New York chapter legend Denise Hamilton recently shared an update on the academic accomplishments of this young squire.  Alan graduated from the University of Rochester with a bachelor of science in Biomedical Engineering in May 2014.   BDPA supported Alan's educational pursuits by providing him with at least two scholarships - Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship and Oracle Scholarship.  Alan appreciates BDPA for the scholarship awards.  Alan credits his participation in the BDPA HSCC program for sparking the idea to pursue a career in the biomedical engineering industry.

Alan was an active member of the University of Rochester campus.  He served in a number of leadership roles with the campus chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers up to and including its presidency in 2013-2014.  Alan also worked in the biochemistry research laboratory at the University of Rochester Medical Center under the guidance of Dr. Mark E. Dumont.

Alan’s short term goal is to volunteer at various research labs to determine whether he wants to work in cell and tissue engineering, biochemistry, molecular, genetics, or cancer-focused research. He plans to purse a PhD in either biochemistry or biomedical engineering.

BDPA provides programs, scholarships and services that help its young people win the future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  Alan Rosales is an example of the wonderful results of the work being done in 46 local chapters around the nation by selfless volunteers such as Denise Hamilton.   Our nation needs to see more young people of color succeeding in STEM fields.   If you know of another nonprofit organization that is doing more in this space ... then donate to them.   However, if you know that BDPA is doing 'good works' that should be encouraged ... then donate to us ... and to it TODAY!   That is best way you can honor the graduation of Alan Rosales!

Cincinnati Students Earn $15,625 in STEM Scholarships at BDPA Conference

BDPA Cincinnati chapter, led by chapter president Dalric Webb (GE), sent a contingent of seven high school and college students to the 36th annual BDPA Technology Conference earlier this month in Indianapolis. Those students participated in a variety of STEM-based competitions that including a high school computer competition (HSCC), IT showcase and mobile application showcase. These young people came home from the conference with $15,625 in college scholarships!

The chapter trained 14 students at Cincinnati State Technical College in a computer camp that met for 4-5 hours each Saturday for the first six months of the year.  The computer camp was led by volunteer instructors Deborah Prince (xpedx) and Frank Hill (Hiltronics Computer Associates).

L-R: Dalric Webb, Yaw Asante, Jon Carr, Wayne Hicks,
Austin Murph, Deborah Prince, Hasani Harrigan, Frank Hill

Four high school students were selected to compete as part of the chapter's national HSCC team in a comprehensive 3-part competition (oral, written and 7-hour coding).  The The four HSCC students are: Yaw Asante (Walnut Hills High School), Jon Carr (St. Xavier High School), Hasani Harrigan (Seven Hills High School) and Austin Murph (Seven Hills High School). These four students earned a 5th place finish (out of 46 eligible teams) during two days of the competition. Each of these students earned a $500 Jesse Bemley Scholarship as a result of their high performance.

Hasani Harrigan added to his college scholarship booty by earning a $3,125 college scholarship from Oracle. The Oracle Corporation Scholarship goes to student members pursuing careers in engineering, computer and information science, computer engineering or mathematics. Hasani is a very deserving young man who has been engaged in STEM-training from BDPA over the past three years.

Dylan Gunn is a college student member who left Cincinnati to attend North Carolina A&T University. Dylan won a $5,000 Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students. The scholarship recognizes outstanding minority students, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others.

Another remarkable talent who shined brightly during this annual technology conference was Itobore Odje (University of Cincinnati). Itobore participated in the 1st annual BDPA Mobile Application Showcase and came away with the silver medal as well as a $5,500 college scholarship funded by State Farm.

BDPA plans to honor each of these students ... including BDPA IT Showcase participant Brian Pulliam (Sinclair Community College) ... at its 18th annual BDPA Education Banquet on Sunday, October 4, 2014 at Receptions in Fairfield, Ohio. We encourage you to join us for this wonderful event in which we have a chance to celebrate the positive accomplishments of students and volunteers in our community!

Related articles

• Cincinnati Students Prepare to Compete at National BDPA STEM-based Championships
• HSCC Student Spotlight: BDPA Cincinnati
• BDPA and Eli Lilly Offer $2,500 Scholarship to Minority Students

BDPA Legend Francisco Nunez on Entrepreneurship

Francisco Nunez has a powerful legacy within BDPA! He was a 5-time participant in the annual High School Computer Competition. He won a number of BDPA scholarships to help finance his 4-year career at Morehouse College. BDPA Atlanta chapter honored him last month on his graduation from college.

As such we are pleased to share his video message laying out his current entrepreneurial activities. Reach out and support this young squire if you have time or inclination.

Related articles

• Overview: BDPA High School Computer Competition

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Sherron Howard (Delaware State University)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Sherron Howard.

Sherron wrote, "I really appreciate being chosen to receive this scholarship. It will truly help me with my schooling. Again thank you for picking me to receive this scholarship."

Sherron will use this college scholarship to defray costs as a biology major at Delaware State University. BDPA is proud to recognize Isoke Cullins with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Hadiya Harrigan (BDPA Cincinnati)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Hadiya Harrigan. Hadiya competed in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships as a member of the team trained by BDPA Cincinnati chapter.  She is currently a senior at Seven Hills Upper School in Cincinnati, Ohio.


Hadiya will use this Oracle scholarship to defray costs for her to attend the post-secondary school of her choice next year. BDPA is proud to recognize Hadiya Harrigan with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

HSCC Testimonial: Nikki Hoffler (BDPA Charlotte, 2008-2012)

Nikki Hoffler

Nikki Hoffler comes from BDPA royalty. Her brother, Christopher, is a multi-year participant in the National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships. Her father, John, has served as president of local BDPA chapters in both St. Louis and Greenville. In fact, her father will become a local BDPA president for a record-setting third time in January 2013 when he takes on the role as BDPA Charlotte chapter president.

However, Nikki stands alone with her own personal BDPA legacy ... she has been a 5-time participant in the National BDPA HSCC championships (2008-2012) on teams trained by BDPA Charlotte chapter.

Nikki is entering into her sophomore year at Mount Holyoke College.  She won a 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students earlier this summer.  We've asked Nikki to share remembrances of her BDPA experiences.

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"A few years ago my HSCC team went to a ropes course to do team building exercises. I especially remember the 'Leap of Faith' where each team member would climb to the top of a telephone pole and jump off, knowing that their safety rope was held by the rest of the team. It was amazing to see how our team dynamics transferred seamlessly from coding on a computer to physical trust exercises. We had a great time.

Every year I look forward to doing the Cha Cha Slide with everyone: my teammates, my friendly competitors, and our lovely volunteer chaperones. Once the competition is over and the banquet is done, everyone starts to relax a little. But it still takes a little coaxing to get all the students to dance. Luckily, we have chaperones like Melvin Rogers, Markus Beamer, and Jamesetta James, who are brave enough to take the floor. It amazes the new students every time!

First of all, it was my experience in HSCC and BDPA that made me such a strong candidate for college applications. I applied to many "reach schools" and got into nine out of the ten universities to which I applied, four of which awarded me additional merit-based scholarships.

When I came to Mount Holyoke College, I knew I wanted to be a Computer Science (CS) major and although I consider myself to be an introvert, networking at BDPA conferences gave me the skills to take advantage of the resources I have at college. This year I will be both a writing mentor and a teaching assistant for a CS freshman seminar that is based upon the research I did for the department this summer.

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Our hope is that Nikki will consider becoming part of the BDPA IT Showcase in 2014. For now, we wish her nothing but success as she enters her freshman year in college. At the same time, we encourage you to Support BDPA Charlotte HSCC Training with a secure online donation!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Isoke Cullins (Fordham University)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Isoke Cullins. Isoke graduated earlier this year from the King Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science, an alternative high school of the Los Angeles Unified School District.


Isoke will use this college scholarship to defray costs for her to attend the Fordham University at Lincoln Center to study visual arts with an architecture concentration. BDPA is proud to recognize Isoke Cullins with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Terry Atwater III (Hampton University)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Terry 'Tré' Atwater III. Tré is the son of LaVenta and Terry Atwater II and is a June 2013 graduate of Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Tré’s high school activities included Diversity and Inclusion (club), Model APEC, Varsity Track, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Football, Mock Trial (Attorney), NAACP Youth Council, awarded “Mr. Beautillion” during the Beautillion Militaire program sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta, “Impact 21” by United Way, Freshman Mentor, and Jack and Jill of America.

Tré has received numerous academic and athletic awards during his high school career. In soccer alone, he has received over 20 first or second place trophies from multiple competitive tournaments. He is also a decorated orator receiving numerous honors. Tré placed nationally at the NAACP’s ACT-SO competition for his speaking ability and also, he was named Mr. Congeniality for his oratory skills, as well as winning Jack and Jill’s regional oratorical completion multiple times. Recently, Delta Sigma Theta named him “Mr. Beautillion” during his participation in the 2013 Beautillion Militaire program. His academic awards include being inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars, as well as being awarded scholarships from Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, and Kappa Alpha Psi. Tré also received the Hampton Scholars Scholarship from Hampton University.

Tré Atwater is currently a freshman at Hampton University and he plans to major in chemical engineering. BDPA is proud to recognize Tré Atwater with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Anthony Coleman (BDPA Greater Columbia)

Oracle senior diversity consultant Traci Wade announced the winners of the 5th annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students during the 2013 BDPA Awards Gala. One of those winners is BDPA Greater Columbia student member Anthony Coleman.

Anthony is a senior at Dutch Fork High School with a STEM course concentration in computer science. He has been a member of the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team trained by BDPA Greater Columbia chapter for the past three years. He was the HSCC team captain this year! Anthony is already making plans to participate in the 2014 BDPA Technology Conference as a participant in the BDPA IT Showcase.

Anthony is also involved in the Junior League of Greater Columbia leadership program and serves as a student liaison for his school district Cyber Saturday Technology event. BDPA is very proud to recognize Anthony as a 'future face of technology'!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Brandi Taylor (BDPA Greater Columbia)

Oracle senior diversity consultant Traci Wade announced the winners of the 5th annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students during the 2013 BDPA Awards Gala. One of those winners is BDPA Greater Columbia student member Brandi Taylor.

Brandi is the proud daughter of Jessie and Yvette Taylor. She is currently a 10th grade student at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Brandi participates in many extracurricular activities including, Track, Girls Scouts, National Beta Club, National BDPA and her local church. She has won numerous awards such as, National Junior Scholar (2009-2010) and Academic Excellence (2010-2011).

Brandi is a two-time participant in the BDPA IT Showcase. Her IT Showcase research and presentation was entitled, 'Penetrating the Cloud: Exploration of Cloud Computing.'  Brandi’s current career plan after high school is to become a Nurse. Her ultimate motto is “I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”